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Friday preview: German inflation, US consumer confidence

US consumer confidence and German inflation figures will take centre stage on Friday.

The University of Michigan's preliminary reading for the US consumer sentiment index is expected to rise to 81 in April from 80 in March.

The data comes after the Federal Reserve released minutes from its March 18-19th policy meeting, which revealed a positive outlook on the economy.

"Members agreed that there was sufficient underlying strength in the broader economy to support ongoing improvement in labour-market conditions," the minutes said.

The Fed in March reduced the monthly pace of bond purchases by $10bn to $55bn, and said it is likely to continue tapering.

In Germany, inflation data for March will be released on Friday. Analysts predict consumer prices increased by 1% last month, easing back from 1.2% in February. The report comes amid concerns of falling inflation in the Eurozone.

Inflation in the euro-area fell to 0.5% in March from 0.7% in February, marking its lowest rate since November 2009.

If Europe's biggest economy registers a decline, it is likely to add pressure on the European Central Bank to ease policy.

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